Why Is a Baby Camel Called a Calf?

Q: What is a baby camel called?

A baby camel is called a calf. Camel calves can walk within hours of birth

Q: What other animals are called calfs?

Yes! 15 animals share the baby name "Calf": bison, camel, cow, dolphin, elephant, elk, giraffe, hippopotamus, manatee, moose, narwhal, reindeer, rhinoceros, walrus, whale.

The story behind the baby animal name “Calf” — its origin, meaning, and history.

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Baby Animal Names Editorial Team

·Updated 2025

Quick Answer

A baby camel is called a calf. The name "Calf" has been used for baby camels for centuries.

The Origin of “Calf”

The baby animal name “Calf” for camels has deep roots in the English language. Like many baby animal names, it evolved from practical usage — people who worked closely with animals needed specific terms to describe their young.

Baby animal names often come from Old English, Latin, French, or indigenous languages. They reflect how humans have interacted with and categorized animals throughout history.

Other Animals Called “Calf”

“Calf” isn't unique to camels.15 animals share this baby name:

Wild Animals

Farm Animals

Sea Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Sea Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Wild Animals

Sea Animals

Sea Animals

See all animals called “Calf” →

Fun Facts About Baby Camels

•Camel calves can walk within hours of birth
•They nurse for about 1-2 years
•A calf weighs about 80 pounds at birth
•Baby camels don't develop their humps until they start eating solid food

Did You Know?

Baby camels are born without a hump — it only develops as they start storing fat from solid food!

How to Pronounce “Calf”